New Partnership to Continue Hallmark Distribution

Image Gallery in New Partnership to Continue Hallmark Distribution
23 June 2014

Auckland-based stationery distributor, Image Gallery, said today that it was very pleased to have entered a new partnership with Hallmark, the world’s largest greeting card company, for the continued distribution of Hallmark’s iconic product range in New Zealand.

The new partnership will make Image Gallery the largest New Zealand-owned and operated in the greeting card business. It will also immediately see Image Gallery offer distribution positions to more than half the former Hallmark New Zealand distribution team.

Image Gallery General Manager, Edward Robinson, said the partnership brought together the strengths of Hallmark – a global company with a proud, 100-year heritage – and Image Gallery – a family-owned and operated New Zealand business which has built up an enviable national distribution network and a 30-year reputation for customer service excellence.

“This partnership means Image Gallery’s strong market position and product range will now be complemented by Hallmark’s long established branded product range. We are delighted to be able to continue providing Hallmark’s popular card and products, including top licensed brands, Disney, Warner Brothers and the All Blacks, to stores around New Zealand. And importantly retailers will still have the direct support of a local Kiwi business,” Mr Robinson said.

The partnership will significantly increase the size of Image Gallery which currently employs 30 people and distributes greeting cards, gift packaging, stationery and gifts, with the company offering to retain over half of Hallmark staff.

“This is extremely positive for Image Gallery as it significantly increases the scale of our business, while Hallmark will benefit from a more cost-effective distribution network and ongoing customer support from a local business,” Mr Robinson said.

“It will be business as usual for our existing suppliers and customers, with exciting new opportunities in the future as we welcome Hallmark’s customers into the fold.”

Hallmark International CEO, Russell Parker, said Hallmark regretted that places could not be found for all its team, but was pleased to have reached this outcome where the majority of staff will be transferring to Image Gallery.

He was confident Hallmark’s customers will receive continued high levels of service from Image Gallery, with the hand-over taking effect from 1 August 2014.

Please also refer to the release issued today by Hallmark.

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